Hand Grip Device

ABSTRACT

A hand grip device for carrying articles includes a gripping member and an optional coupling member. The gripping member includes a body with ends that define the maximum body diameter of the gripping member. The longitudinal center of the body defines the minimum body diameter of the gripping member. The coupling member may be a strap that connects the gripping member to the article to be carried. The hand grip device functions as a handle that is lightweight, strong, and disperses the weight of the carried article across the palmar side of a hand.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a hand grip device for carried articles and, in particular, to a handle for luggage and similar objects that must be carried by hand.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Luggage such as bags and suitcases are often designed to incorporate comfort elements that render them more comfortable for a person to carry that luggage. For example, a luggage handle may be contoured along its underside to receive the palmar side of the fingers of the person that holds the bag. Each hand, however, is unique in its size and shape. A specially contoured handle suitable for an “average” hand is less suitable for persons whose hand deviates in size and/or shape from that average. Alternatively, a luggage handle may include a layer of resilient material designed to conform to a hand gripping the handle. This material, however, deforms easily; consequently, the luggage item cannot be firmly held unless the handle is grasped so tightly as to squeeze all of the resilience of the layer. This often causes fatigue of the hand muscles.

Another approach has been to provide a generally cylindrical handle that varies in diameter with the largest diametric segment midway between ends including the smallest diametric segment (i.e., the handle is fatter in the center than at its ends). Persons carrying heavy luggage with this type of handle, however, tend to find the handle uncomfortable because the middle and fourth fingers of the hand are required to carry most of the weight of the object being carried.

A handle design must also address other important parameters such as the weight of the handle and the positional stability of the handle in a person's hand. It is undesirable for the handle to add significantly to the load being carried. The handle, moreover, must be configured such that it will not slip from the person's hand.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a handle that is comfortable, strong, and lightweight and overcomes to above drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a hand grip device that disperses the load of the article being carried across the palmar side of the hand. The hand grip device includes a body and, optionally, a coupling member. The body includes a medial portion and two end portions. The body is structured such that the outermost segment of each end portion defines the largest diametric segment of the body. In addition, the medial portion includes the body's smallest diametric segment. Specifically, the smallest diametric body segment is longitudinally disposed between the two end portions, being located approximately midway between the outermost body segments. The coupling member connects the body to the article to be carried such as a bag. The coupling member may be in the form of a pliable strap extending through the body with end portions that connect to the carried article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the hand grip device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, showing a gripping member and a coupling member.

FIG. 2 illustrates a longitudinal cross sectional view of the gripping member of the hand grip device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view in elevation of the gripping member of the hand grip device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A illustrates an isolated, perspective view of an end cap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates an isolated, top view in plan of the end cap shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 illustrates the gripping member of FIG. 2, showing the connection of the end caps to the body.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the grip device of FIG. 1 attached to a carried article.

Like reference numerals in the various figures are utilized to designate like components.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the hand grip device 10 includes a gripping member 100 and a coupling member 103. The gripping member 100 is configured to disperse the weight of the carried article across the width of the hand. The gripping member 100 includes an elongated body 105 having a first end portion 115A, a second end portion 115B, and a medial or intermediate portion 120 disposed between the end portions 115A, 115B. The first end portion 115A includes a first outermost end or extremity 125A (FIG. 2). Similarly, the second end portion 115B includes a second outermost end or extremity 125B. A flange may be disposed along each outermost body end 125A, 125B. For example, a first flange 130A may extend from the first outermost end 125A of the first end portion 115A and a second flange 130B may extend from the second outermost end 125B of the second end portion 115B.

The body 105 is a generally hyperboloidal structure (i.e., a structure designed with hyperboloid geometry) having a central longitudinal axis A. In particular, it is in the form of a hyperboloid of one sheet described by the equation x²/c²+y²/b²−z²/c²=1. As a result, the structure possesses a negative Gaussian curvature, i.e., the body 105 curves inward (toward the central longitudinal axis A) in the longitudinal direction rather than outward or rather than having no curve (i.e., being straight sided).

The body 105 may possess any cross section suitable for its intended purpose. By way of example, the vertical cross section (i.e., the cross section taken along an axis oriented generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A) at any point along the body 105 may be an ellipse or circle. The horizontal cross section (taken along an axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis A) may be a hyperbola that opens upward/downward or sideways (depending on values of x and y). In a preferred embodiment, the body is a circular hyperboloid, i.e., a hyperboloid in which each vertical cross section of the body is generally circular.

Referring to FIG. 2, the body 105 may be a generally hollow structure including a wall 205 with an interior wall surface 210 and an exterior wall surface 220. The body wall 205 is arranged around the central longitudinal axis A such that opposed wall portions are generally equidistantly spaced a predetermined distance from the longitudinal axis A (i.e., the radial distance measured from the axis A to each of two diametrically opposed points is substantially equal). This predetermined distance may change over the length of the body 105 such that the distance measured is less at a point along the medial portion 120 than at a point falling within either of the end portions 115A, 115B. This lesser distance d_(v) defines the valley 225 of the body 105. Stated another way, the body 105 is configured such that it possesses a diametric segment that is smaller than other diametric segments of the body. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the outermost body segments 125A, 125B possess the largest diametric segment d_(e), while the smallest diametric segment d_(v) (the valley 225) is located approximately midway between the outermost segments 125A, 125B of the body 105.

As mentioned above, a flange may be connected to each of the outermost body segments 125A, 125B. The flanges 130A, 130B may each possess a diameter greater than the diameter of the body 105 along its corresponding end portion 115A, 115B. As a result, each flange 130A, 130B is slightly radially offset from its associated body extremity 125A, 125B such that it extends radially beyond the exterior surface 220 of the body 105 and forms an interior shoulder 235. The flanges 130A, 130B may possess any suitable shape suitable for its described purpose. Typically, the flanges 130A, 130B possess a vertical cross section similar to that of the body 105. By way of example, when the body 105 possesses a generally circular cross section, the flanges 130A, 130B may be generally annular, thereby defining a first flange opening 240A proximate the first outermost body segment 125A and a second flange opening 240B proximate the second outermost body segment 125B.

A central bore or channel 245, defined by the interior wall surface 210 of the body 105, extends from the first flange 130A to the second flange 130B. The bore 245 and flange openings 240A, 240B cooperate to permit the passage of a coupling member through the body 105 (discussed in greater detail below).

The gripping member 100 may possess any dimensions suitable for its described purposed. By way of example, the gripping member 100 may possess a length of approximately 10-15 cm, preferably approximately 13 cm; a maximum diametric segment (measured along outermost body segment) of approximately 3-5 cm (e.g., 4.8 cm); a circumference (measured along one of the flange 130A, 130B and the end portions 115A, 115B) of approximately 11-15 cm, and preferably approximately 12.5-14 cm; and a circumference measured along the valley 225 of approximately 9.5-11 cm, and preferably approximately 9.72-10.8 cm.

The body 105 may further include one or more windows operable to mate with an end cap, securing the end cap to the body. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the body 105 includes a plurality of windows or notches 300 disposed within each end portion 115A, 115B. The windows 300 may be angularly spaced along the body 105 and disposed proximate the flanges 130A, 130B. The windows 300 are configured to receive locking tabs located on the end caps (discussed in greater detail below).

The exterior surface 220 of the body 105 may be textured to increase the coefficient of friction of the grip device 210 and/or to provide increased gripping comfort to the device. By way of example, the body 105 may include one or more ribs or protrusions 310 extending from the body exterior surface 220. The ribs or protrusions 310 may be longitudinally and/or angularly spaced about the circumference of the body 105 such that the protrusions substantially cover the body. The protrusions 310 may be in the form a geometric shape such as a circle or a polygon (diamonds, squares, hexagons, etc) that extend (i.e., is raised) radially outward or from the exterior surface 220 of the body 105. In addition combinations of shapes may be utilized.

In another embodiment, the exterior surface 220 of the body 105 may possess a micro-textured or roughened surface that increases the frictional coefficient of the body (and thus decreases the potential for slippage). By way of further example, the exterior surface 220 may possess a tackified surface (i.e., the surface may be treated with a tackifying agent).

The hand grip device 10 may further include end caps adapted to couple to the gripping member 100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, an end cap 400 includes an insert portion 405 and a cover portion 410. The insert portion 405 may be a hollow, frustoconical structure with a cap wall 415 that defines an internal bore 420. A plurality of ramps 425 extend axially along the exterior surface 430 of the wall 415. The ramps 425, angularly spaced about the wall, incline in the direction of the cover portion 410. The insert portion 405 is configured such that it can be axially inserted through the flange opening 240A, 240B and into the bore 230 of the body 105, with the ramps 425 frictionally engaging the interior surface 210 of the body 105.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cover portion 410 is a plate disposed on the widened end of the frustoconical insert portion 405. The cover portion 410 may extend radially beyond the circumference of the insert portion 405 (e.g., at a distance less than the intermediate length of the insert portion 410). With this configuration, the cover portion 410 includes an interior ledge 435 that engages the interior shoulder 235 existing along each outermost body segment 125A, 125B (discussed in detail below).

The end cap 400 may further include a plurality of resilient fingers 450 angularly spaced about the perimeter of the cover portion 410 and configured such that the fingers generally align with the windows 300 formed into the body 105. Each finger 450, which extends along the axis of the end cap 400, may include a proximal post 455 and a distal locking tab 460. The posts 455 are radially resilient; consequently, the locking tabs 460 are biased radially outward from the end cap 400. With this configuration, when the end cap 400 is axially inserted into the opening 240A, 240B of the gripping member 100 defined by the flange 130A, 130B, the locking tabs 460 initially flex radially inward to clear interior shoulder 235. Once aligned with its corresponding window 300, the biasing force of each finger 450 urges the locking tab 260 into the window.

Referring to FIG. 5, to connect the end cap 400 to the gripping member 100, the end cap 400 is aligned with the flange 130A, 130B such that the locking tabs 460 are substantially aligned with the windows 300 formed into the body 105. The end cap 400 is axially inserted into the flange opening 240A, 240B, positioning the insert portion within the bore 245 of the body 105. The ledge 435 of the end cap 400 engages the shoulder 235 of the body 105, serving as a stop that prevents further axial insertion. Once in the proper axial position, the locking tabs 460 are received by the windows 300, securing the end cap 400 to the gripping member 100. The cover portion 410 possesses dimensions such that it may be received within the flange 130A, 130B of the grip device 10. With this configuration, the end cap 400, once properly inserted into the body 105, is positioned within the flange opening 240A, 240B such that the cover portion 410 is substantially flush with the outer longitudinal face of the flange 130A, 130B.

To separate the end cap 400 from the gripping member 100, each locking tab 460 is urged radially inward until it clears its corresponding window 300. The end cap 400 is then drawn axially outward from the body 105.

The cover portion 410 may be further adapted to position and support the coupling member 103 in a predetermined orientation. Referring back to FIG. 4B, the cover portion 410 may include an aperture or pass-through 470 generally centrally disposed on the cover portion 410 such that the aperture generally aligns with the longitudinal axis A of the body 105. The aperture may possess any shape and dimensions suitable for its described purpose. By way of example, the aperture 470 may be in the form of a generally elongated slot.

The coupling member 103 is configured to couple the gripping member 100 to a carried article such as a bag or other luggage item. The coupling member 103 may be either flexible or rigid. By way of example, the coupling member 103 may be an elongated, transversely flexible strap. In operation, the coupling member 103 is threaded through the aperture 470 of the end cap 400 disposed along the first end portion 115A, drawn through the bore 245 of the body 105, and then drawn through the aperture 470 of the end cap 400 disposed along the second end portion 115B. With this configuration, the aperture 470 on each end cap 400 cooperates to prevent the rotation of the coupling member 103 within the body 105, stabilizing the gripping member 100 and preventing its rotation with respect to the coupling member and/or carried article.

The ends of the strap may be permanently or releasably secured to the carried article. In one embodiment, each end 610A, 610B of the coupling member 103 is permanently secured to the carried article 620 via sewing, adhesive, etc (FIG. 6). In another embodiment, each end 710A, 710B of the coupling member 103 includes a releasable fastener 720 such as a spring hook or a leash-type hook (FIG. 7). The releasable fastener 720 may couple to a ring 730 connected to the carried article 740.

The above described grip device provides a contour that is comfortable for hands of substantially all sizes and shapes and that is both lightweight and positionally stable while in a person's hand. In addition, the grip device, being a hyperboloid structure, possesses a doubly ruled exterior surface. A surface is doubly ruled if through every one of its points there are two distinct lines that lie on the surface. A structure with a doubly ruled surface is stronger than curved surfaces that do not have such a ruling. As a result, the hand grip device 10 is strong, lightweight, and comfortable.

While the present invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the hand grip device 10 (the body 105, flanges 130A, 130B, and end caps 400) may be formed of any suitable materials and may possess any dimensions suitable for their respective described purposes. Similarly, the coupling member 103 may be formed from any suitable materials and possess any suitable dimensions. The hand grip device 10 may possess a unitary structure, and may be a solid or hollow structure.

Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is to be understood that terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “side”, “height”, “length”, “width”, “upper”, “lower”, “interior”, “exterior”, and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration.

Having described preferred embodiments, it is believed that other modifications, variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

1. A device for carrying articles, the device comprising: a gripping member configured to be grasped by a hand such that the palmar side of the hand contacts the grip portion, wherein the grip portion comprises an elongated body having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a medial portion disposed between the first and second end portions, wherein the gripping member possesses a negative Gaussian curvature such that the first end portion and the second end portion each includes a maximum diametric segment and the medial portion includes a minimum diametric segment longitudinally disposed between the two maximum diametric segments, and and wherein the device couples to an article such that the article may be carried via the gripping member.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein: the grip portion includes a central longitudinal axis; the body is defined by a wall configured such that opposed wall portions are substantially equidistantly spaced a predetermined distance from the longitudinal axi; and the predetermined distance changes over the length of the body.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the minimum diametric segment is located proximate the longitudinal center of the body.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein: the first end portion comprises a first outermost body end; the second end portion comprises a second outermost body end; and each body end defines the maximum diametric segment.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the grip portion is a hollow member comprising: a first opening disposed at a first outermost end; a second opening disposed at a second outermost end; and a channel extending from the first opening to the second opening.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the channel is contoured such that a channel diameter measured proximate each end is greater than a channel diameter measured at a point between the ends.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein: the body is an elongated member including a first outermost end and a second outermost end; a first flange is disposed at the first outermost end of the body; a second flange is disposed at the second outermost end of the body; and each flange is radially offset with respect to the body to form a shoulder along each outermost body end.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein each flange is a generally annular flange and the body possesses a generally circular cross section.
 9. The device of claim 1 further comprising an end cap including a cover portion and an insert portion.
 10. The device of claim 1 further comprising a coupling member operable to couple the gripping member to an article.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the device further comprises an end cap configured to couple to at least one of the first opening and the second opening, the end cap including an aperture operable to permit passage of the support member therethrough.
 12. The device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from a surface of the body.
 13. A device for carrying an article, the device comprising: a hollow body configured to be grasped by a hand, the body including: a first body end defining a first opening, a second body end defining a second opening, and a channel extending from the first opening to the second opening, wherein the first and second body ends define a maximum body diameter, a first end cap operable to couple to the first body end; a second end cap operable to couple to the second body end; and a coupling member to couple the hollow body to an article, wherein the body further includes a minimum body diameter longitudinally disposed approximately midway between the two body ends.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the body defines a generally hyperboloidal structure having a central longitudinal axis.
 15. The device of claim 13, wherein the body is a hyperboloid of one sheet described by the equation x²/c²+y²/b²−z²/c²=1.
 16. The device of claim 15 further comprising a coupling member configured to couple the hollow body to an article.
 17. The device of claim 16 further comprising an article coupled to the body via the coupling member.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the coupling member comprises a strap extending through the body such that one end of the strap extends from the first body end and another end extends from the second body end.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the body comprises raised ribs extending from an exterior surface of the body.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein: the body includes a central longitudinal axis; the body is defined by a wall configured such that opposed wall portions are substantially equidistantly spaced a predetermined distance from the longitudinal axis; and the predetermined distance changes over the length of the body. 